Contrasting serenity and commotion - each with their own moments of glory or, alternatively, their never ending story - make up the uncharacteristically sophisticated new album of American rock icons Tool. Lateralus requires patience as long songs guide the listener through perhaps some new territory. There seems to be a conflict of passivity and passion. It forms exotic sounds, sometimes tribal, sometimes gothic. Psychedelic. Progressive. Swelling in between stolid Rock. Yet this is a balance that persists, carefully trained like those handling the power of inner strength. Something issued evenly and under control as if by some martial arts master. Young hot heads cannot touch it yet. Lateralus, even with its percussive thunder and piercing guitars requires patience because this is a more mature, older, and wiser Tool.

This is somewhat of a change for some. Gone are the formulated rock radio requirements. Gone are the droning grunge that pulsated the immediacies of a youth gone wild. Some may have already identified it: Tool’s penchant for complex song structure, rhythmic algorithms, and a twisted abstraction of everything in between. Maynard adds to this but unlike previous albums, the music takes on the larger role. All of this has evolved over previous albums - a glorious incarnation if you will. Guitars sing a harmonious cry to the drum’s hot temper while the bass mumbles its own thoughts. The music is alive man! Alive!!!

Ahem... In a way, the progressive rock of Lateralus is nothing new for veteran fans of progressive rock and progressive metal. Yet the incumbents may have forgotten the ways of older bands. Imagination has made way to expectations and formulations rather than innovations. While the challenge could be said to be better left to newer fans, Lateralus is a reminder for those who have been too complacent to look elsewhere.

by Alzn, score 4 out of 5